Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski netts penalty winner on tough night

Barcelona, like last season, emerged from El Sadar with three vital points. On their way to becoming champions they needed to dig deep in Pamplona, where Robert Lewandowski was sent off.

This time the Polish striker proved the hero, if not for his performance then for winning and scoring the penalty that earned Barcelona victory.

Jules Kounde sent the champions ahead just before halftime, nodding in from Ilkay Gundogan’s corner, but Chimy Avila levelled for the hosts.

He fired past Marc-Andre ter Stegen from the edge of the box after getting away from Alejandro Balde and with neither centre-back nor Oriol Romeu doing much to get in his way.

Xavi had already brought on Joao Cancelo by that point, who looked bright, and Joao Felix quickly followed, although he couldn’t get involved.

Lewandowski fell under a challenge from Alejandro Catena and won a penalty, and the defender was sent off.

The forward rolled past Andres Fernandez to take Barcelona’s three points home.

Inigo Martinez came on for his debut late on, on a decent night for Barca, albeit one on which they were uncomfortable.